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Page 1 of 53
Document Summary
Document Item
Current Value
Document Title
Feb-2015
Document Issue
Issue 1.0.1
Document Status
Ratified
Document Description
Contributors
Name
Organisation
Buss, Jill
3M Company
Poetker, Cynthia
Morrison, Martin
Jesus, Ed
Chep
Wilkie, Carrie
Radomski, Nadine
Bradley, Ardetha
Georgia Pacific
Martin de Urrengoechea
GS1 Argentina
Schmid, Sue
GS1 Australia
Scavone, Peta
GS1 Australia
Sehorz, Eugen
GS1 Austria
Gerald Gruber
GS1 Austria
Stefanie de Rocker
Clark, Daniel
GS1 Canada
Liu, Wei
GS1 China
Slobodan Romac
GS1 Croatia
Mikko Luokkamaki
GS1 Finland
Hakala, Pertti
GS1 Finland
stman, Benjamin
GS1 Finland
Slobodan Romac
GS1 Croatia
Barras, Xavier
GS1 France
Houlette, Cedric
GS1 France
Heide Buhl
GS1 Germany
Machemer, Ilka
GS1 Germany
Sarachman, Michael
Page 2 of 53
Name
Organisation
Sharkey, Frank
Janssen, Coen
Frey, Mark
Hearn, Andrew
Hanko, Christine
GS1 Hungary
Gormley, Alan
GS1 Ireland
Iwasaki, Yoshihiko
GS1 Japan
Mori, Naoko
GS1 Japan
GS1 Mexico
GS1 Mexico
Pielaat, Sarina
GS1 Netherlands
Menkerud, Terje
GS1 Norway
Joy Lee
GS1 Singapore
Rosell, Pere
GS1 Spain
Mukaru, Alice
GS1 Sweden
Buskenfried, Jonas
GS1 Sweden
Peter Jnsson
GS1 Sweden
Mueller, Daniel
GS1 Switzerland
Sule Tarim
GS1 Turkey
Piper, Neil
GS1 UK
Shan Welch
GS1 UK
Delnicki, Ray
GS1 US
Edison, Carol
GS1 US
Nye, Christine
Simske, Steven
Hewlett-Packard
Vans, Marie
Hewlett-Packard
Naal, Doug
U Kiran
Collins, Don
NCR Corporation
Feuerstein, Vra
Nestle
Tomassi, Gina
PepsiCo, Inc.
Allison, Cherise
Sam's Club
Soper, Mike
Symbology, Inc.
Spreitzer, Joe
Target Corporation
Haan, Eleanor
Page 3 of 53
Date of Change
Changed By
Summary of Change
30-Apr-2014
Coen Janssen
Initial version
1.0.1
27-Feb-2015
Coen Janssen
Disclaimer
GS1, under its IP Policy, seeks to avoid uncertainty regarding intellectual property claims by requiring the participants in the
Work Group that developed this GS1 Logistics Label GS1 Guideline to agree to grant to GS1 members a royalty-free license
or a RAND license to Necessary Claims, as that term is defined in the GS1 IP Policy. Furthermore, attention is drawn to the
possibility that an implementation of one or more features of this Specification may be the subject of a patent or other
intellectual property right that does not involve a Necessary Claim. Any such patent or other intellectual property right is not
subject to the licensing obligations of GS1. Moreover, the agreement to grant licenses provided under the GS1 IP Policy does
not include IP rights and any claims of third parties who were not participants in the Work Group.
Accordingly, GS1 recommends that any organization developing an implementation designed to be in conformance with this
Specification should determine whether there are any patents that may encompass a specific implementation that the
organization is developing in compliance with the Specification and whether a license under a patent or other intellectual
property right is needed. Such a determination of a need for licensing should be made in view of the details of the specific
system designed by the organization in consultation with their own patent counsel.
THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED AS IS WITH NO WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY, NONINFRINGMENT, FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR ANY WARRANTY OTHER WISE
ARISING OUT OF THIS SPECIFICATION. GS1 disclaims all liability for any damages arising from use or misuse of this
Standard, whether special, indirect, consequential, or compensatory damages, and including liability for infringement of any
intellectual property rights, relating to use of information in or reliance upon this document.
GS1 retains the right to make changes to this document at any time, without notice. GS1 makes no warranty for the use of this
document and assumes no responsibility for any errors which may appear in the document, nor does it make a commitment
to update the information contained herein.
.
Page 4 of 53
Table of Contents
1.
Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 8
1.1.
1.2.
Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................ 8
Scope of the guideline........................................................................................................................ 8
1.2.1. Labelling Logistic Units ............................................................................................................. 8
1.2.2. Labelling trade items such as cartons and outer cases ........................................................... 8
1.2.3. Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) standards covered in this guideline .......... 9
1.3.
Conventions applied in the guideline ................................................................................................. 9
1.3.1. References ............................................................................................................................... 9
1.3.2. Rules and recommendations.................................................................................................... 9
1.3.3. Format of data elements .......................................................................................................... 9
2.
3.
4.
SSCC ............................................................................................................................................... 14
Including the SSCC on the label ...................................................................................................... 14
Extract of Application Identifiers for logistic unit information ............................................................ 14
5.
Introduction....................................................................................................................................... 10
Building Blocks ................................................................................................................................. 10
Segments ......................................................................................................................................... 12
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6.
Free Format...................................................................................................................................... 25
Non-HRI Text with Data Titles.......................................................................................................... 25
6.2.1. Data titles................................................................................................................................ 25
6.3.
Bar Codes and HRI .......................................................................................................................... 26
6.4.
Rules related to label segments ....................................................................................................... 28
7.
8.
9.
10.
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10.7.
10.8.
10.9.
10.10.
GS1 Logistics Label with logistic unit and transport information in separate segments .................. 45
GS1 Logistics Label with supplier, customer and transport segments ............................................ 46
GS1 Logistics Label with transport information including postal code ............................................. 47
GS1 Logistics Label with transport information including routing code and GINC .......................... 48
11.
References ........................................................................................................................ 49
12.
13.
List of Figures
FIGURE 2-1. EXAMPLE ............................................................................................................................................................ 11
FIGURE 2-2. PLACEMENT OF BUILDING BLOCKS .................................................................................................................... 12
FIGURE 2-3. EXAMPLES OF LABEL SEGMENTATION ............................................................................................................... 13
FIGURE 4-1 LABEL INCLUDING TRADE ITEM INFORMATION .................................................................................................. 16
FIGURE 4-2 LOGICAL SEQUENCE OF DATE ELEMENTS ........................................................................................................... 18
FIGURE 5-1 LABEL INCLUDING TRANSPORT INFORMATION .................................................................................................. 20
FIGURE 6-1. FNC1 CHARACTER IN GS1-128 BAR CODE. ......................................................................................................... 26
FIGURE 7-1 DIMENSIONS A6 / 4 X 6 INCH LABEL ................................................................................................................... 28
FIGURE 7-2 DIMENSIONS OF A5 / 6 X 8 INCH LABEL .............................................................................................................. 29
FIGURE 8-1 EXAMPLE OF LABEL PLACEMENT ON PALLETS .................................................................................................... 30
FIGURE 8-2 LABEL PLACEMENT ON CASES ............................................................................................................................. 31
FIGURE 8-3. STACKED PALLETS AS INDEPENDENT LOGISTIC UNITS ....................................................................................... 31
FIGURE 8-4. STACKED PALLETS COMBINED INTO A SINGLE LOGISTIC UNIT........................................................................... 32
FIGURE 9-1 EXAMPLES OF SYSTEM INTEGRATION ISSUES ..................................................................................................... 34
FIGURE 9-2 EXAMPLES OF PRINTING-RELATED ISSUES .......................................................................................................... 35
FIGURE 9-3 EXAMPLES OF PLACEMENT ISSUES...................................................................................................................... 35
FIGURE 9-4 EXAMPLE OF ISSUES OCCURRING DURING TRANSPORT ..................................................................................... 37
FIGURE 9-5. EXAMPLE OF ISSUES OCCURRING AT RECEIPT ................................................................................................... 38
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1.
Introduction
The GS1 System is the most widely used supply chain standards system in the world and comprises
the standards, guidelines, solutions and services created in formalised and collaborative processes.
The Transport & Logistics industry involves the movement of goods using multiple transport modes,
including road, rail, air and maritime. T&L processes involve a wide variety of parties such as consignor
and consignee, freight forwarders and carriers as well as official bodies like customs and port authorities.
The often complex logistics flows and the variety of involved parties imply there is a need for easy
physical identification of logistic units. GS1 offers a standard to help accomplish this: The GS1 Logistics
Label.
This guideline provides guidance on how to physically identify logistic units using the GS1 Logistics
Label. It is based on the GS1 Standards described in the GS1 General Specifications, and on best
practices gathered in various implementation projects around the world.
Note: This guideline is the successor of the GS1 Standard International Logistics Label guideline
[STILL].
1.1.
Acknowledgements
These recommendations have been developed in collaboration with GS1 Member Organisations and
the Transport & Logistics (T&L) Member Organisation Interest Group working closely with local
communities on Transport & Logistics process efficiencies.
Special acknowledgements to GS1 in Europe, GS1 UK, GS1 Norway, GS1 Finland, GS1 Netherlands,
GS1 Australia and GS1 US for providing their guidelines and deployment materials. These materials
have served as a basis for this guideline, some of their texts and examples have directly been taken
over into this guideline.
1.2.
1.2.1.
1.2.2.
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considered to be GS1 Logistics Labels. This guideline mainly addresses logistics labelling. However, at
various places notes have been included to explain how information may be presented using the GS1128 standard. These notes have been marked as follows:
Note: Carton / Outer Case Labels
1.2.3.
1.3.
1.3.1.
References
References to documents, websites etc. are indicated as follows [REFERENCE, paragraph number
(optional)]. The list of references with full details is included in section 11.
1.3.2.
1.3.3.
N numeric digit
X any character, see [GENSPECS, figure 7.11 1] for the allowed characters.
Examples:
X3 exactly 3 characters
Xn
Nn
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Examples:
2.
2.1.
Introduction
The information included on a GS1 Logistics Label comes in two basic forms.
1. Information to be used by people: This is comprised of Human Readable Interpretation (HRI), NonHRI text and graphics.
2. Information designed for data capture by a machine: Bar codes.
Bar codes are machine readable and are a secure and efficient method for conveying structured data,
while HRI, Non-HRI text and graphics allow people general access to basic information at any point in
the supply chain. Both methods add value to GS1 Logistics Labels, and often co-exist on the same label.
Note: HRI and Non-HRI Text.
For the purposes of interpreting this guideline, there are two types of text that appear on a label:
HRI is the information below or beside a bar code which is encoded in the bar code and
represents the same characters as carried in the bar code.
The SSCC is the single mandatory element for all GS1 Logistics Labels. Other information, when
required, shall comply with the specifications in this document and with the proper use of Application
Identifiers.
2.2.
Building Blocks
On the GS1 Logistics Label a distinction is made between the types of data communicated on the GS1
Logistics label, in order to facilitate interpretation by machines and people. For this purpose the data
can be expressed in three building blocks:
1. The Free Format building block may contain Non-HRI text and graphics.
2. The Non-HRI Text Including Data Titles building block contains Non-HRI text reflecting the
information represented in the bar code(s) using data titles rather than AIs, and optionally additional
information not represented in bar codes (preferably including data titles).
3. The Bar Codes and HRI building block contains the bar code(s) including human readable
interpretation (HRI).
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Free Format
Non-HRI Text
with Data titles
On the label and within label segments these building blocks are usually placed top down: Free Format
(top), Non-HRI text including Data Titles (middle), Bar Codes and HRI (bottom). If space permits it, and
providing the bar codes conform to the size specifications for the application, the lower two building
blocks may be placed side by side. See Figure 2-2.
Page 11 of 53
2.3.
Segments
The information to be included on the label may become available at separate stages. Also some
information may need to be replaced during the lifetime of the logistic unit. Dividing the label into
separate segments is a way to address this.
A segment is a logical grouping of information that is generally known at a particular time. There may
be up to three label segments on a GS1 Logistics Label, each representing a group of information.
Generally, the order of the segments, from top to bottom, is: carrier (transport), customer, and supplier.
However, this order and top/down alignment may vary depending on the size of the logistic unit and the
business process being served.
Segments may be printed separately in which case they must be placed vertically in close proximity of
each other, with the segment containing the SSCC at the bottom. When segments are added separately,
care should be taken not to obscure existing segments. The carrier segment may be replaced during
the journey of the logistic unit, in which case special care should be taken to ensure the customer and
supplier segments are preserved.
Important: When adding or replacing a segment an SSCC already present must never be
replaced or changed.
When segments are used, within the segments the data still needs to be organized using building blocks
as described in section 2.2. In that case segments are the primary grouping mechanism; building blocks
are subordinate to that, see Figure 2-3 for some examples.
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Supplier Segment
The supplier segment of the label contains information that is generally known at the time of packaging
by the supplier. The SSCC is applied here as the unit identifier, along with the GTIN if used.
Other information that may be of interest to the supplier but might also be useful for customers and
carriers can be applied. This includes product-related information such as product variant; dates such
as production, packaging, expiration, and best-before dates; and lot, batch, and serial numbers.
Customer Segment
The customer segment of the label contains information that is generally known at the time of order and
order processing by the supplier. Typical information includes the ship to location, purchase order
number, and customer-specific routing and handling information. If several logistic units are assembled
to be transported under one despatch advice or Bill of Lading (BOL) to one customer the GSIN, AI (402)
may also be applied in this customer segment.
Carrier (Transport) Segment
The carrier (transport) segment of the label contains information that is generally known at the time of
shipment and is typically related to transport. Typical information includes ship to postal codes, AI (420),
Global Identification Number for Consignment, AI (401), and carrier-specific routing and handling
information.
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3.
3.1.
SSCC
The format of the SSCC is as follows:
The Extension Digit can have any value from 0 to 9 and is used to increase the numbering capacity of
the Serial Reference. Its use is at the discretion of the company allocating the SSCC.
The GS1 Company Prefix (GCP) is allocated by GS1 Member Organisations to the company that
allocates the SSCC here the physical builder or the brand owner of the logistic unit. It makes the SSCC
unique worldwide but does not identify the origin of the unit. The length of a GS1 Company Prefix
depends on each GS1 Member Organisations policy on number allocation.
The Serial Reference is a serial number created by the company allocating the SSCC. The simplest
way to allocate the serial number is sequentially, for example .00000, 00001, 00002.
The Check Digit is calculated using the algorithm defined by GS1. [GENSPECS, 7.10.1], also see
[CHECK] for a calculator.
3.2.
3.3.
Full Title
Data Title
Format (*)
00
SSCC
N2 + N18
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4.
4.1.
A homogeneous unit containing one type of trade item. All the items at the highest level of
packaging are the same and are identified with the same GTIN. Example: a pallet containing 50
trade item groupings of shampoo.
A heterogeneous logistic unit containing different types of trade items at the highest level of
packaging that are identified with different GTINs. Example: a pallet containing 30 standard
trade item groupings (e.g. boxes) of shampoo and 20 standard trade item groupings (e.g. boxes)
of conditioner.
A logistic unit that is also a traded unit that is priced or ordered or invoiced (that is part of the
suppliers regular offer). Such logistic units can be homogeneous, for example goods in bulk,
heterogeneous (for example display units), or a single product (for example a refrigerator, or a
mobile phone transported as parcel).
For homogeneous logistic units and logistic units that are trade items it is possible to include information
on the trade item(s) on the logistics label. This can be useful in situations where no despatch advice is
used, or specific processes where the despatch advice information is not available, and for fail-safe
reasons. For heterogeneous logistic units it is not possible to include trade item information on the
logistics label and therefore the use of electronic messaging is strongly encouraged to support the
exchange of data linked with the SSCC.
Carton / Outer Case Labels: On heterogeneous logistic units it is possible to include trade item
information on a product case label, using an EAN/UPC or ITF-14 symbol (GTIN only) or a GS1128 symbol (GTIN and additional data).
Page 15 of 53
source [GENSPECS]
4.2.
Page 16 of 53
4.3.
4.4.
When used in combination with AI (02) it denotes the total number of items across all
contained trade items
When used in combination with AI (01) it denotes the total number of items within the trade
item itself.
Page 17 of 53
4.5.
11
13
16
15
17
The included date will normally be of the same type as the date indicated on the product itself (often for
legal reasons). This allows for consistent tracking and tracing in the unlikely event of a product recall,
as the date used on the logistics label will match the date marked on the product.
Traceability Systems will not work, and possibly legal requirements will not be met if the correct date is
not used for example if AI (15) Best Before Date is used to encode an Expiry Date AI (17). AI (15) is a
statement about quality (e.g. a bottle of drinking water past its best before date may have diminished
quality but it should not be harmful). AI (16) indicates the date specified by the manufacturer as the last
date the retailer is to offer the product for sale to the consumer. AI (17) is the date that determines the
limit of consumption or use of a product (e.g. using a medical product after this date may pose a health
risk).
The following general rules should be applied when using dates on the GS1 Logistics Label:
[4-13] (Normative) Dates always relate to the GTIN specified on the label as AI (01) GTIN or as AI (02)
CONTENT. [GENSPECS, 4.13.2]
[4-14] (Normative) For all of the date types mentioned in rule [4-12] only one date value can be specified
on a logistics label. If the trade items contained in the logistic unit have various date values, these
cannot be specified on the label. [GENSPECS, 4.13]
Carton / Outer Case Labels: On product cases the contained consumer units usually will have
the same date value. This means such dates can be presented on a product case label.
[4-15] (Normative) When expressed in bar code form, the date format for each AI is always YYMMDD
where:
YY provides the tens and units of the year (e.g. 2006 = 06) and is mandatory
MM provides the number of the month (e.g. January = 01) and is also mandatory
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4.6.
Day provides the number of the day of the relevant month (e.g. second day = 02); For Best
Before or Expiry Dates it may not be necessary to specify the day. In that case the field
must be filled with two zeroes, and will be interpreted as the last day of the noted month.
4.7.
Serial numbers
A serial number may be included as AI (21) SERIAL, for example for tracking and tracing purposes.
[4-18] (Normative) The serial number always must be used in combination with a GTIN that is specified
on the label as AI (01) GTIN. [GENSPECS, 4.13.2]
4.8.
Full Title
Data Title
Format (**)
01
GTIN
N2 + N14
02
CONTENT
N2 + N14
10
BATCH/LOT
N2 + X..20
11
PROD DATE
N2 + N6
13
PACK DATE
N2 + N6
15
N2 + N6
16
SELL BY
N2 + N6
17
USE BY
or EXPIRY
N2 + N6
21
Serial Number
SERIAL
N2 + X..20
30
Variable Count
VAR. COUNT
N2 + N..8
310n*
N4 + N6
311n*
LENGTH (m)
N4 + N6
314n*
AREA (m2)
N4 + N6
315n*
N4 + N6
320n*
N4 + N6
37
COUNT
N2 + N..8
8001
DIMENSIONS
N4 + N14
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5.
5.1.
source [GENSPECS]
Page 20 of 53
5.2.
5.3.
5.4.
Routing code
The routing code and the postal code of the ship to location (see previous paragraph) represent the
same functional need. They can be linked to the route network of the carrier. Generally the routing code
is the more precise: It is defined by the carrier, and sent to the shipper in order to enable inclusion on
the label.
[5-14] The routing code can be included using AI (403) ROUTE.
[5-15] The routing code can also be included as free text information.
Page 21 of 53
5.5.
5.6.
Shipment identification
The shipment identification can be included on the label to ensure logistic units belonging to the same
shipment will be delivered together. This can be important in cases where the goods are consolidated
and deconsolidated during transport.
The GS1 Identification Key for shipments is the Global Shipment Identification Number (GSIN). The
format of the GSIN is as follows:
The GS1 Company Prefix (GCP) is assigned by a GS1 Member Organisation to the company creating
the shipment.
The Shipper Reference is a serial number created by the shipper. The simplest way to allocate the serial
number is sequentially, for example .00000, 00001, 00002.
The Check Digit is calculated using the algorithm defined by GS1. [GENSPECS, 7.10.1], for a check
digit calculator see [CHECK].
[5-18] The shipment identification should be included using the Global Shipment Identification Number
(GSIN) in AI (402) GSIN.
5.7.
Consignment identification
The consignment identification can be included on the label to ensure completeness of a group of logistic
units being transported together under the same transport contract. This can be important in cases
where the logistic units are transported by secondary transport operators, only responsible for part of
the total journey (for example via rail or ocean).
The GS1 Identification Key for consignments is the Global Identification Number for Consignment
(GINC). The format of the GINC is as follows:
The GS1 Company Prefix (GCP) is assigned by a GS1 Member Organisation to the company that
allocates the GINC - here the freight forwarder or carrier of the transport units.
Page 22 of 53
The Consignment Reference is a serial number created by the carrier or freight forwarder. Typically, the
GINC is used by freight forwarders to instruct transport providers, and holds the Master Way Bill (MWB)
Number, for example a Master Airway Bill (MAWB) or a Master Bill-of-lading (MBL).
[5-19] The consignment identification should be included using the Global Identification Number for
Consignments (GINC) in AI (401) GINC.
5.8.
5.9.
Logistic measures
Weight information on the individual logistic unit as well as for the total shipment (for example in the
form of nnn/nnn) can be useful information when transiting through intermediate warehouses.
Depending on the situation, the label issuer may need to specify:
Weight: 50 / 300 the parcel weight and the shipment weight are known.
Weight: / 300
Weight: 50 /
logistic volume: litres AI (335n*), cubic metres AI (336n*), quarts AI (362n*), gallons
(US) AI (363n*), cubic inches AI (367n*), cubic feet AI (368n*), cubic yards AI (369n*)
area: square metres AI (334n*), square inches AI (353n*), square feet AI (354n*),
square yards AI (355n*)
Page 23 of 53
Full Title
Data Title
Format (**)
330n*
N4+N6
331n*
N4+N6
332n*
N4+N6
333n*
N4+N6
334n*
N4+N6
335n*
N4+N6
(m3),
336n*
VOLUME
log
N4+N6
337n*
KG PER m
N4+N6
340n*
N4+N6
341n*
N4+N6
342n*
N4+N6
343n*
N4+N6
344n*
N4+N6
345n*
N4+N6
346n*
N4+N6
347n*
N4+N6
348n*
N4+N6
349n*
N4+N6
(i2),
353n*
AREA
log
N4+N6
354n*
N4+N6
355n*
N4+N6
362n*
N4+N6
363n*
N4+N6
367n*
N4+N6
368n*
N4+N6
(y3),
369n*
VOLUME
400
ORDER NUMBER
N3 + X..30
401
GINC
N3+X..30
402
GSIN
N3+N17
403
Routing Code
ROUTE
N3+X..30
410
SHIP TO LOC
N3+N13
413
N3+N13
log
N4+N6
Page 24 of 53
AI
Full Title
Data Title
Format (**)
420
SHIP TO POST
N3 + X..20
421
SHIP TO POST
N3+N3+X..9
6.
6.1.
Free Format
The Free Format building block may include any text or graphics not meant for automated processing.
The name and address of the sender and receiver are typical examples. In many instances companies
may also wish to add specific graphics to a label (e.g., company logos).
[6-1] (Normative) All text shall be clearly legible and no less than 3 millimetres / 0.118 inches high.
[GENSPECS, 6.7.4.3]
6.2.
6.2.1.
Data titles
Data titles are the standard abbreviated descriptions of element strings used to support the human
interpretation of encoded data. Data titles should be used adjacent to all data fields included in the NonHRI text Including Data Titles building block.
Note: Data Titles may also be used adjacent to Bar Codes and HRI.
[6-5] (Normative) For each included data field representing a bar coded data element the GS1 data title
related to the AI must be included.
[6-6] (Normative) If there is no language agreed between trading partners, data titles must be printed
in English. As an option left at the discretion of the labeller, a second language can be added. For
English data titles, the exact data titles as specified in the GS1 General Specifications should be
used. [GENSPECS, 6.7.4.2.2]
[6-7] Data titles should follow the format as specified in the GS1 General Specifications, in particular
they should be presented in UPPERCASE when indicated.
Page 25 of 53
[6-8] To avoid any ambiguity in the human interpretation of dates the data tag for dates may be followed
by the chosen format. E.g. BEST BEFORE (dd.mm.yyyy): 24.12.2013. This is not to be confused
with the format to be used within the bar coded data field which is always YYMMDD.
6.3.
Application Identifiers
Each data field in a GS1-128 bar code is preceded by an Application Identifier (AI). Application Identifiers
(AIs) are internationally agreed numeric prefixes used within the GS1-128 bar code to identify the
meaning and format of the data following each AI.
The data fields are either of fixed or variable length, depending on the AI. There is a range of AIs for
additional data, such as weight, area or volume. Full details of all the GS1 Application Identifiers can be
found in the GS1 General Specifications [GENSPECS].
[6-10] All the data in each GS1-128 bar code is denoted by the use of the GS1 Application Identifiers,
which specify the format of the data which follows them. This data may be numeric only,
alphanumeric, fixed or variable in length.
Concatenation
An Application Identifier and the data that follows it are known as an element string, and several element
strings may be shown in one GS1-128 bar code. This joining together of element strings is known as
concatenation.
Concatenation is an effective means for encoding several AIs in a single bar code and should be used
to save label space and optimize scanning operations.
[6-11] The best practice is to put data of fixed length before any variable data
Page 26 of 53
[6-12] The order in which the element strings appear in GS1-128 bar codes is free. Good software
contains optimization procedures, which improves scanning and printing
[6-13] (Normative) The SSCC, defined by AI (00), shall always appear in the lowest bar code on the
label [GENSPECS, 6.7.4.1.1].
[6-14] The SSCC can be alone or concatenated with other data in the same bar code. Concatenation
shall not be used with SSCC on cartons and outer cases and on standard A6 / 4x6 labels.
X-dimension (Symbol Size)
The X-dimension is the specified width of the narrowest element in a bar code symbol.
[6-15] (Normative) The allowed X-dimension range for the GS1-128 bar code symbol is between 0.495
mm (0.0195") and 0.94 mm (0.0370"). The target X-dimension recommended for the GS1-128 bar
code symbol is 0.495 mm (0.0195"). [GENSPECS, 5.5.2.7, table 5].
Note: If the item is too small to accommodate the minimum X-dimension, the minimum Xdimension is 0.250 millimetre (0.0098 inch). [GENSPECS, 5.5.2.7, table 5, note *]
[6-16] When multiple bar codes are used it is recommended to use similar X-dimensions. This helps
scanning systems to work more effectively.
[6-17] Careful consideration should be given to the likely scanning environment (e.g., freezing can
degrade print quality and using an X-dimension at the higher end of the permitted range can help to
reduce this effect).
Bar code height
[6-18] (Normative) A minimum height of at least 31.75 mm (1.250") applies to all the GS1-128 bar codes
on the label. The minimum symbol height indicated is for bar height only and does not include the
Human Readable Interpretation. [GENSPECS, 5.5.2.7, table 5]
Note: If the item is too small to accommodate the minimum, the minimum bar height is the
greater of 15 percent of the symbol width including Quiet Zones or 12.70 millimetres (0.500
inch). If the package is physically too small to accommodate this rule, further truncation is
permitted, but in no case shall the bar height be less than 5.08 millimetres (0.200 inch).
[GENSPECS, 5.5.2.7, table 5, note **]
Quiet Zones / Light Margins
[6-19] (Normative) Bar codes shall be printed with quiet zones (or light margins) at each side. The quiet
zones must be at least 10 X-dimension (10 X) in width. Centred bar codes will help ensure the quiet
zones are respected.
Orientation and placement
[6-20] (Normative) Horizontal orientation (picket fence orientation) of bar code symbols must be used
on logistic units. In other words, the bars and spaces shall be perpendicular to the base on which
the logistic unit stands.
Human readable interpretation
[6-21] All the data shown in each bar code should be provided below each symbol. Brackets
(parentheses) are normally printed around each AI but these must not be encoded in the bar code.
The data must be shown in characters at least 3 mm high and clearly legible.
AI uniqueness (no repetition)
[6-22] Each Application Identifier (AI) may only occur once on a logistics label.
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6.4.
7.
A6 (105 mm x 148 mm) or 4 x 6 inch, which is particularly suitable when only the SSCC, or the
SSCC and limited additional data, is encoded. Applied for example on case labels.
Figure 7-1 dimensions A6 / 4 x 6 inch label
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B. Large label
A5 (148 mm x 210 mm) or 6 x 8 inch, suitable when additional data such as trade item data are
needed. Applied for example on pallet labels.
Figure 7-2 dimensions of A5 / 6 x 8 inch label
8.
Label Placement
8.1.
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[8-3] Each logistic unit should at the minimum have one label. For pallets it is recommended that two
sides of the item are labelled the exact same data, to ensure one label is always visible (e.g. pallets
that are stored either long or short edge facing). On rolling logistic units a label on one side is usually
sufficient.
Note: There is no regulation that specifies where the labels should be placed to the left, in the
middle, or to the right on these sides but as most forklift operators are right-handed, the most
ergonomically correct scanning is done when the labels are placed to the right of each side.
Note: This diagram is an example only and in some cases it may be necessary for two labels to
be placed on opposite sides of the pallet.
8.2.
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Carton / Outer Case Labels: For Carton / Outer Case Labels the same guidelines apply. In
situations where both a Carton / Outer Case Label as well as a Logistics Label need to be applied
on the case, the recommendation is to place the GS1 Logistics Label to the left of the Carton /
Outer Case Label, and to ensure that the information on the Carton / Outer Case Label remains
visible.
8.3.
Pallet 1
Pallet 2
Pallet 3
[8-8] If the group will be shipped as a unit and is physically joined using shrink-wrap, straps, or similar
means (Figure 8-4), the group should be considered as a single logistic unit as well and an additional
SSCC should be assigned to the stacked pallet group.
Note: In cases where the stacked pallets are shipped as one single unit, the original labels should
not be visible. A master label with the SSCC for the pallet group should be applied to the outside
of the wrapping. The wrap and master label may be removed upon receipt and the labels for each
stacked pallet will be used to identify each pallet for subsequent processing.
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Label
Shrink Wrap
SSCC
(00)790123451234500116
GTIN
(01) 49012345008794
9.
Implementation Considerations
9.1.
Role of party
Best practices
Manufacturer/Supplier
Consolidator
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9.2.
Role of party
Best practices
9.3.
A pre-printed SSCC-only label is a good option when there is no print and apply capability.
Pre-printed SSCC labels are applied to a logistics unit, scanned and then electronically
associated to the GTINs and all related data. A pre-printed label can be applied anywhere in
the supply chain (from when the pallet is produced to when it is received by a customer).
A production label containing supplier and trade item information can be printed and applied at
the time the pallet (logistics unit) is manufactured. This label can stay with the pallet/logistics
unit through the supply chain if it is delivered in a full pallet quantity to the customer.
A picked pallet label is printed and applied at the time the pallet (logistics unit) is picked for a
customer, and may contain supplier, customer and carrier information.
An existing SSCC label (e.g. pre-printed SSCC-only label or production label) is already applied,
and the carrier or customer data is added by applying an additional label segment.
Shipper / Supplier
The shipper may be the supplier or a logistic service provider acting on behalf of the supplier.
If the LSP acts as the shipper, after the supplier receives an order an Instruction to Despatch will be
sent to the LSP. The LSP should be able to pick and load the shipment according to the instructions,
this could include a reconfiguration of existing logistic units.
9.3.1.
Pre-requisites
[9-1] The shipper / supplier should have the ability to communicate electronically.
[9-2] Trade item data alignment is a prerequisite in order to enable efficient shipping and receiving
process. The shipper / supplier should ensure that master data have been communicated to the
receiver / customer.
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[9-3] Each warehouse should have scanners to read the GS1-128 bar code(s) printed on the labels
9.3.2.
9.3.3.
[9-13] After implementation, in the operational phase, regular verifications should be performed to
maintain label quality.
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9.3.4.
9.3.5.
9.3.6.
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9.3.7.
9.4.
Carrier
The optimal collaboration between a supplier (shipper) carrier customer (receiver) is crucial for an
efficient shipping and receiving process, and the carrier plays a central role.
9.4.1.
Pre-requisites
[9-21] The carrier should have the ability to communicate electronically
[9-22] Each truck should have a scanner to read the bar code(s) printed on the labels
9.4.2.
9.4.3.
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9.4.4.
9.4.5.
9.5.
Receiver / Customer
The receiver may be the customer, for example a retailer, or a logistic service provider receiving the
goods on behalf of the customer.
9.5.1.
Pre-requisites
[9-29] The receiver / customer should have the ability to communicate electronically
[9-30] Master data of the trade item need to be in place. Unknown items cannot be received efficiently.
[9-31] Each warehouse should have scanners to read the bar code(s) printed on the labels
[9-32] Each warehouse should have a warehouse management system to support the receiving process
[9-33] Rejection of delivery (or otherwise) without Despatch Advice / ASN should be included in the
contract
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9.5.2.
9.5.3.
9.5.4.
9.5.5.
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9.5.6.
10.
Practical Examples
source: [GENSPECS]
This example shows a label containing only an SSCC. Such labels can be applied at production time,
but also during transport or receipt in case no label is present on the logistic unit.
Building blocks (top-down):
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Mandatory data
Optional data
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10.3. GS1 Logistics Label for homogeneous logistic unit with variable
measure items
Mandatory data
Optional data
GTIN1 leading with 9 with AI (02), count of trade items contained with AI (37)
one of the measures: net weight (kg) with AI (310n), length (m) with AI (311n),
area (m2) with AI (314n), net volume (l) with AI (315n), variable count with AI (30),
batch / lot number with AI (10)
one of the following dates if applicable: production date with AI (11), packaging
date with AI (13), best before date with AI (15), expiry date with AI (17)
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Mandatory data
Optional data
OR
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10.5. GS1 Logistics Label for logistic unit that is a single trade item
If a logistic unit includes only one trade item, a logistics label should contain the following data:
.
Mandatory data
Optional data
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Mandatory data
Optional data
none
source [ELL]
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10.7. GS1 Logistics Label with logistic unit and transport information in
separate segments
source [GENSPECS]
This example shows a case label that may be applied at the time of transport. Besides the SSCC it
contains information on the route and destination.
Segments and building blocks (top-down):
Carrier Segment
Supplier Segment
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source [GENSPECS]
This example shows a case label that may be applied in a cross-docking scenario. Besides the SSCC it contains
transport information and information on the final customer destination.
Segments and building blocks (top-down):
Carrier segment:
Customer segment
Supplier segment
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source: STILL
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source [GENSPECS]
This example shows a pallet label that may be applied at the time of transport. Besides information on the logistic
unit it contains information on the route and destination.
Building blocks (top-down):
Text with Data Titles: SSCC; ROUTE; Dimensions / Weight; Billing No.
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11.
References
[ELL] GS1 in Europe Logistic Label version 14, GS1 in Europe 2007
[CHECK] http://www.gs1.org/barcodes/support/check_digit_calculator
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12.
check digits of all GS1 identification keys applied (e.g. GTIN, SSCC)
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correct combinations of data elements, mandatory association of data elements (e.g. AI (02)
and AI (37))
correct check digits of GS1 identification keys (e.g. GTIN, SSCC) presented in the bar code
symbol
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13.
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